“Why do you say that?”
Amir picked up his tea. “It’s not because he had to have everything a certain way and at specific times. But well, in our situation you have to be in tune to other people. Unfortunately, there are always people who may want to hurt us because they consider us ‘different.’ We could tell he was disgusted by us and the other people renting rooms here. He wanted nothing to do with us. There was something dark about him. We had to ask him to leave.”
“He never brought anyone here?”
“No honey, he didn’t. He only ended up staying for two nights, but was booked for a whole week. While the revenue would be nice, he booked our largest room, we don’t need his negativity here,” Joe said.
“I’m so sorry about that, but thank you, I needed to know that. It seems he’s hiding more than I originally thought.” She wanted to keep as close to the truth as possible. “One of my employees is gay and since my business is a huge part of my life, so is Jesse. I can’t have anyone in my life that isn’t accepting. Thank you for your time.” She stood up to leave. “You really have a nice place here. I wish you success.”
“Thank you, hon, and be sure to come back. We’ll even give you a discount.” Amir winked at her.
*
Anthony and Evie were silent on the drive to the marina. Anthony was trying to process everything he had heard. When they were almost there, Anthony reached over and grabbed her hand. “I’m sorry. I know Jesse means a lot to you, and you hate to see that kind of intolerance.”
She looked over at him and he could see the pain in her eyes. “I just don’t know how people can be so mean. If everyone would just be a little nicer and more accepting of people, this world would be a better place.”
Gently, he squeezed her hand. “Yes, it would. Maybe someday.”
“And we really didn’t learn anything new.”
“Maybe at this next stop. Do you have a plan for this one?” He was hoping to get her mind off of how Jeremy had treated the owners of the B&B.
“Of course, I always have a plan.”
From what he could tell, half the time she would follow her heart before her head. “Really?” He said sarcastically.
“Well, most of the time anyway.” She shrugged. “The rental place is owned by Susan. It used to be her and her husband’s before he died. Now it’s just her. I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Be careful. Please.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way, Sweet Cheeks.” She scooted out of the way and laughed before he could grab her.
Watching her walk towards the office, he was reminded of what had almost happened last night. It had been awhile since he’d been with a woman but that didn’t explain his reaction to her being so close. He’d wanted her so much his body physically hurt. He should be happy that the door slammed when it did. He really didn’t need the complication of Evie right now.
*
Evie knew the best approach would be more direct with this one. Susan had been around seamen most of her life and wouldn’t put up with a whiny, crying female. “Good morning.” She said as she walked into the office.
“Hi ya. What can I do for you?” she asked with a heavy accent.
“I was hoping you could help me. I think my fiancé is cheating on me. I found a receipt for the shop. Can you tell me if you’ve seen him? It would have been last year.”
“Men are bastards, ya know.” She grabbed the photo and studied it. “Yeah, I remember him. Had all these demands about what kind of boat he wanted, nothing seemed good enough, then he brought the damn thing back damaged.”
“What kind of damage?”
“One of the seats was practically ripped off. Not easy to do on my boats I can tell you that. He paid cash, including fixing everything.”
“Did he have anyone with him?”
“Nope, going out or coming in. Can’t tell you what he did during that time.”
“Thank you for your time.”
“No problem. Dump him, no man is worth it.”
“Thanks, again.”
Evie walked back out into the sunshine and toward Anthony. Maybe, sometimes they are worth it.
*
They stopped at a restaurant on the water. At a table overlooking the setting sun, they talked about things that had nothing to do with Jeremy. It was a nice change from all the darkness. Once they found out they both liked to quote movies they had a fun conversation trying to use only movie quotes.
Evie leaned back in her chair patting her stomach. “That was wonderful. Nothing like a good meal to make things seem brighter.”
He shook his head. “Where do you put it all? I can’t remember ever seeing a woman eat so much.”